New iPod dock solution
 

Check this out: (no relation to vendor)

Any iPod with a dock connector - which includes all iPods 3rd generation and newer except iPod shuffle - will work with spec.dock. Our product is designed as an enhancement to existing aftermarket and factory interfaces, so additional parts may be necessary for complete in-car integration.

Ashtray docking station

http://www.2point5.com/integrate.php

Looks great - I like it! :thumbup:

What is the need to have the ipod out in open with the display showing when you can see the music information in the dash displays and control it with the vehicle controls? It seems like it blocks a lot of buttons.

I saw that product at MacWorld. They had a couple of cars displaying how it works. Sadly, I didn't have the time to really look into it.

Looks clean but there are 2 potential problems.

1) iPod is in upright position with no support on the sides. This would wreak havoc on the dock connector in a moving car after time since this is the only thing "holding" the iPod.

2) Safety. The iPod can turn into a moving projectile (possibly even move in front of a deploying airbag) in a head-on collision. While there is a small of this happening, it is possible.

Regardless, the idea is great and the work is clean! :thumbup:

No use to me, my ipod is permanently housed in the rear cupboard where the dension IceLink controls it. all text is on the computer so I dont need to see it or remove it.

However I could see it working for some people who wear their Ipods when theyre not in the car too.

Good point Tom. I don't think that the dock connector is strong enough to hold the iPod securely in a moving vehicle. Plus I'd lose my beloved non-smoker ashtray. :D